In 2009 three women’s rights organizations in Guatemala—Mujeres Transformando el Mundo (MTM), Unión Nacional de Mujeres Guatemaltecas (UNAMG) and Equipo de Estudios Comunitarios y Acción Psicosocial (ECAP)—came together to form the Alliance to End Silence and Impunity. The Alliance works to support women in their struggles for justice who experienced sexual violence during the armed conflict. The Alliance played a key role in securing justice for the women of Sepur Zarco and in breaking the silence around sexual violence in conflict in Guatemala. Meet the three organizations working tirelessly to bring justice to survivors:
Mujeres Transformando el Mundo (MTM)
Mujeres Transformando el Mundo (MTM) was formed in 2009 by a team of women lawyers with special expertise in strategically ligating cases related to women survivors of sexual violence during the armed conflict. MTM brings a feminist lens to the courtroom and seeks to achieve gender-sensitive justice—they regularly challenge legal processes that discriminate against women. Since 2013 they have implemented a model of “Comprehensive Care” so that victims of sexual violence can begin to identify as survivors and rebuild their lives.
Unión Nacional de Mujeres Guatemaltecas (UNAMG)
Unión Nacional de Mujeres Guatemaltecas (UNAMG) is a women’s organization that aims to strengthen women’s critical thinking and political action. UNAMG supports feminist social movements that include women’s experiences and voices at the forefront. UNAMG has played a critical role in creating spaces for women to come together to talk about sexual violence, heal and build networks in Guatemala. Since 2010 they have worked to bring justice to women survivors of sexual violence in armed conflict.
Equipo de Estudios Comunitarios y Acción Psicosocial (ECAP)
Equipo de Estudios Comunitarios y Acción Psicosocial (ECAP) provides psychosocial support to women, communities and groups that have experienced sexual violence or other grave human rights violations. They work primarily with indigenous communities and women. ECAP also focuses on sensitization to victims of sexual violence and uses an ethical approach in their work that respects cultural differences. Along with providing psychosocial support, ECAP also documents historical memory, seeks justice for survivors, and rebuilds the democratic and social fibres of Guatemalan society.
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Follow along online as Laureate Jody Williams travels to Guatemala to visit the women of #SepurZarco in their community on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @NobelWomen